BOULDER, Colo., April 20, 2016 – The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC), the only organization focused on the inclusion of women in the outdoors from participant to CEO, is supporting its member companies in opposing the “The Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act” (HB2) recently passed in North Carolina, as well as similar proposed legislation in other states.

HB2 permits discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people across the state of North Carolina and prohibits cities and counties from passing local laws to protect LGBT people from discrimination.

“The recently passed North Carolina legislation that discriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in public spaces, such as parks, and the workplace, is in direct opposition to OIWC’s mission,” said Executive Director Deanne Buck, in an organizational statement. “In plain words, North Carolina’s law denies LGBT people basic legal protections.”

OIWC is dedicated to workplace diversity and inclusion by expanding opportunities for women in the outdoor, snow, run, and bike industries – fostering a more welcoming and inclusive outdoor community.

“When legislation is proposed and passed, at the national, state, or local level, that directly impacts even one of our individual member’s ability to feel included and welcomed, we must take a public stand,” said Buck.

To read the complete statement by Buck, and learn more about HB2 and proposed legislation in other states, visit www.oiwc.org/news.

About Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC)

The Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition is the only national organization dedicated to workplace diversity and inclusion by expanding opportunities for women and companies in the outdoor, snow, run, and bike industries. Learn more at oiwc.org.